Blackberry Bistro-Oakland-Bad Breakfast All the Way Around

Good Vanilla Latte - but otherwise not worth the trip. The shrimp and grits were diluted and utterly lacking in flavor. The grits were under-salted and shrimp were not infused with any flavor from the sauce - that might be because the sauce also had no flavor. The biscuit that came with the dish was reminiscent of Bisquick baking mix.  The french toast was thick cut cinnamon bread that should have been nice -BUT the custard base had not permeated the bread to impart any flavor or moistness to the bread. The result? Bland and dry french toast. To add insult to injury the "pancake syrup" served with the bland french toast was anything but maple!  Add slow and inattentive service to the above and you've got a bad breakfast all the way around.

My advice, if a misguided friend invites you to a breakfast (or any meal) here revoke said friend's "foodie" card immediately and quickly suggest an alternative.

Review by Marisha

Flora-Oakland-The Economization of Flora

Rib Eye or Rib not?  "Where are the potatoes", Debbie asked. The rather high-priced $31 Rib Eye on the menu  that Debbie ordered came with 3 minuscule baby new potatoes - the size of olives. The steak was tasty and well charred but the plate felt stingy for the price. The Malbec wine pour was short - a curiosity for a known value-priced varietal.

I had a French-styled beef broth-based onion soup that was nicely done but the fontina cheese toast was tiny and left one wanting a bit more. The smoked trout salad with fingerling potatoes, beets and aioli with sprigs of arugula was spot on. But again, a bit on the small side. Salted caramel pudding remains the primary draw (see prior 1/11 post).

Overall verdict- it felt like economy over culinary execution. At this price point there are better options than Flora.

Review by Marisha